*In Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Minister Says Welfare Initiatives Empower People and Ensure Social Justice, Not Vote Bank Politics*
*Punjab Government led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Committed to Inclusive Growth*
Chandigarh, October 27:
Supporting the important resolutions moved in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that describing welfare schemes as “freebies” is an insult to the dignity and aspirations of the common people who have benefited from such initiatives. She said that people-centric welfare programmes are not driven by electoral considerations but are essential instruments for ensuring social justice, equality and inclusive development.
Speaking in the House, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the real purpose of governance is to improve the lives of ordinary citizens and provide opportunities to every section of society. She asserted that development cannot be measured only through roads, buildings and infrastructure, but also through improved living standards, social security and happiness among people.
Supporting the resolution brought by the Finance Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that welfare schemes play a crucial role in empowering weaker and marginalised sections of society. “When government initiatives bring dignity, security and opportunities to people’s lives, they cannot be termed as freebies,” she added.
Sharing an analogy, the Minister said that a garden flourishes only when there is a balance between trees, flowers, birds and people who enjoy its beauty. Similarly, a society progresses only when every section gets opportunities to grow and participate in development. She said that restricting people’s access to welfare and opportunities disturbs the balance of inclusive growth.
Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has taken several people-oriented initiatives aimed at strengthening social justice and empowering all sections of society. She informed that more than 10 lakh Scheduled Caste students have benefited from scholarship schemes during the last five years, while initiatives like the Mukh Mantri Maawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana have provided financial support and social dignity to lakhs of women.
Referring to the Opposition’s criticism, the Cabinet Minister said that those who call welfare measures for ordinary citizens “freebies” fail to understand the challenges faced by common families. She said that providing support to people and improving their quality of life is a responsibility of a welfare state and an important measure of true development.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the strength of democracy lies with ordinary people, whose aspirations and participation determine the direction of governance. She added that governments which work sincerely for public welfare, social justice and inclusive growth continue to receive the trust and support of the people.
She reiterated that the Punjab Government remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of development reach every household and that every citizen gets an opportunity to live with dignity and self-respect.
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